Beat the Heat in the Back Bay...

As a lifelong “Northerner” I am not going to complain about the heat – because, ya know, this…

I hope the current inferno that’s engulfed Boston doesn’t stop people from going out and enjoying the city, because a blast of hot air ain’t nothing compared to stepping in a deep puddle of frozen slush along Boylston Street in January. For those who are willing to go on a warm Boston walk-about, especially in and around the Back Bay, I offer you these tips to avoid the heat.

1. Pop into the Prudential Mall. I’ve sliced through the Back Bay neighborhood by means of this indoor shopping center dozens of times to avoid bad weather. Although…outside of their food court, I can’t remember buying anything here, ever. But if you know someone in the market for a Russian nesting doll in the shape of Wally the Green Monster, well…this is the place. The mall has a beautiful, well shaded courtyard where one can lie on the grass and gaze blissfully at the monolithic Prudential building - or lollygag inside on one of the many benches. Multiple entrances allow access to these cool halls – including Boylston Street and the Back Bay Station. The Transportation Building off Tremont near the Boston Common also has a large indoor public space with a Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks and a food court.

2. Hotels. After hours of schlepping, my legs and buttocks prefer the comforts of a leather chair over a sticky park bench. I’m a simple man with elegant tastes. I love taking mini-breaks in hotels to check my phone and internets or get away from the cacophony and heat on the streets. I never seem to get harassed, I make it look like I belong there or I’m waiting for someone very, very important. Occasionally a staffer will ask me if I need anything, I’ve even been offered a complimentary glass of wine. Don’t mind if I do. Some of these lobbies can be quite glamorous; the Park Plaza hotel offers a sprawling décor worthy of the Great Gatbsy, as does the Fairmont Copley Plaza. The Commonwealth Hotel has a little art gallery and the Boston Harbor Hotel has a fine map collection on display. Be adventurous and trespass a little!

3. Churches. While they may not be air conditioned, Jesus keeps these houses of the holy nice and cool for his flock (shhh…it’s the granite). Regardless of your affiliation with a greater power, Boston’s places of worship are beautiful examples of classic architecture and should be enjoyed by everyone – especially those with a little sun stroke. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Trinity Church in Copley Square actually closed – just be courteous to those seeking another type of salvation.  

4. Coffee shops and cafes. If I’m going to pay $4 for an ice coffee, I’m going to sit in that café and enjoy the a.c. for as long as I want! You can find Dunkin' or Starbucks on your own, but here are my three favorite cafes in the Back Bay (all on Newbury St.). L'Aroma café has my favorite coffee, Pavement Coffeehouse is centrally located on Newbury between Hereford and Gloucester, and the Trident Café is stationed inside a great bookstore and is the best option for a legit sit down breakfast or lunch. Two big chain bookstores actually still exist in the Back Bay and both have cafes, cool air and plenty of cozy chairs. Borders is on Boylston and Barnes and Noble is in the Prudential Mall.

5. The Boston Public Library.  Many a lost soul has found their way to the BPL, or maybe they’re just here to poop. Regardless of whether it’s a steamy day or not, the Library is worthy of a visit for tourists and normals alike. Sure, there are plenty of those those old fashioned books everywhere, but the library has plenty to see on foot.  The building has a new side with nice air conditioning and an old side…with old fans.  Unfortunately, all the fun stuff is on the balmy side of the building. This wing (McKim Building) displays many of their ancient murals and statues which decorate the grand staircases and hallways that lead to antique manuscripts and rare maps. This side is also home to the BPL’s tranquil courtyard with a fountain and a little café. There are so many dark little nooks and crannies in this building, by the time you walk back outside, the temperature might actually be sufferable.  Stay cool ya'll....

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